West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has welcomed recognition of improvements in policing but warned that outdated and unfair funding is holding local forces back.
His comments follow the publication of the State of Policing 2024–25 report, an annual assessment of policing in England and Wales by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Andy Cooke.
The report acknowledges genuine progress, including renewed focus on neighbourhood policing, but stresses that long-term reforms can only succeed if they are properly funded.
Sir Andy warned that without substantial and sustained investment, ambitions to make streets safer and rebuild public confidence risk falling short.
He also repeated concerns about outdated technology, low morale among officers, and a decade-old funding formula that continues to disadvantage some communities.
For Mr Campion, those national challenges are already being felt locally.
“Overall, I welcome the report’s recognition of the genuine efforts being made locally to improve policing services and uphold public confidence,” he said. “These strides are being achieved despite significant financial pressures imposed by central government.
“Our local ambition is clear, but it’s not being matched by the resources required to deliver it. The current funding model is outdated and unfairly penalises our communities.”
The report also highlighted the importance of neighbourhood policing in maintaining public trust – a priority echoed in Campion’s Police and Crime Plan.
He pointed to record officer numbers in West Mercia and a further 12 recruits joining the force, but stressed that the Government must play its part in supporting these efforts.
“That’s why I’ve worked closely with the Chief Constable to minimise the diversion of officers away from neighbourhood policing,” he said. “With record officer numbers, I’m determined that communities feel and see the benefits of this investment.”
On calls for stronger oversight of police performance, Campion urged the Government to strengthen the role of elected Police and Crime Commissioners rather than expanding the powers of national inspectorates.
“As the elected voice of the public in policing, my role is to ensure local communities are at the heart of reform and accountability,” he said. “It would be far more effective for the Government to empower Police and Crime Commissioners with the tools and authority needed to drive meaningful improvements in performance and public confidence.”
The Chief Inspector’s report concluded that while reform plans and ambition are welcome, without sufficient funding and a modernised approach, policing will continue to struggle to keep pace with the demands of crime and community expectations.
In recent months, various staff cuts have and are expected to occur across West Mercia Police. In June, cuts and redunandcies announced led to a reduction in staff roles and reduced hours for others.
Then in August, further necessary cuts were announced to plug an £8 million funding gap within the force’s budget. Police officer roles were not cut as part of these schemes, however the force has this year changed working hours for police community support officer roles, meaning officers in these positions are no longer on shift after 8pm across the force region.
